Chair's Column

Investing in the Chamber is another way to invest in people

By Dana Dykhouse
2014-15 Chair of the Board

Dana Dykhouse
2014-15 Chair of the Board

What is Sioux Falls´ greatest asset? That´s easy – our people. The people of this community are welcoming, talented, hard-working, resolved, innovative, global, creative and most importantly, they believe that they can have a positive impact on our future.

I´m proud to be part of an organization that celebrates personal and professional development and encourages caring about the future of our community through programs like Leadership Sioux Falls. Leadership Sioux Falls helps create a cycle of success. This eight-month program teaches people about the inner workings of our community. Participants learn about how to be good volunteer leaders and the value of giving back to the community. The hope is that when they graduate, they´ll use that knowledge and invest their time in continuing to improve Sioux Falls. The fact that this successful Chamber program is celebrating its milestone 30th anniversary should be no surprise – the 850-plus graduates have made an impact on Sioux Falls and communities throughout the region through their time, talents and leadership.

The competitive nature of the program is one of Leadership Sioux Falls´ greatest strengths. The talent pool represents some of Sioux Falls´ best and brightest. Our participants also represent investments made by businesses into their employees and into the future of Sioux Falls. It can be challenging for some businesses to loan their staff for these professional development opportunities. I´d like to say thank you to those businesses for encouraging your employees to be involved. We have all benefited from the skills and the knowledge that is shared during Leadership Sioux Falls and other programs.

Not everyone can participate in Leadership Sioux Falls, which is why investing in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is so important. The Chamber serves as the convener and collaborator in the community to improve our economy and our quality of life. An investment in the Chamber is an investment in our future.

This issue of the magazine also highlights the announcement of Foundation Park, our state´s first megasite. Through the efforts of many at the local and state levels, we now have additional opportunities to recruit new businesses to our community or enable current businesses to expand their facilities.

Economic development doesn´t happen without vision, planning or people. Thankfully in Sioux Falls, we have them all. I´m grateful to all who have paved the way before us to build such a strong foundation.